Noah Webster
Dower
DOWER, noun [Gr., a gift; to give. Latin ]
1. That portion of the lands or tenements of a man which his widow enjoys during her life, after the death of her husband. [This is the usual present signification of the word.]
2. The property which a woman brings to her husband in marriage.
3. The gift of a husband for a wife.
Ask me never so much dowry and gift. Genesis 34:1.
4. Endowment; gift.
How great, how plentiful, how rich a dower